Telecommunications group MTN has rubbished reports that it plans to list in Nigeria, saying that it is only considering a listing of its subsidiary, MTN Nigeria.
The JSE-listed group said in a statement that it was concerned about unnamed media reports that said that it would list in Nigeria.
“This is grossly inaccurate. The correct comment, as expressed by the executive chairman [Phuthuma Nhleko] is that MTN could consider listing the local operation, MTN Nigeria, not the group,” it said.
“As a result, reports that MTN is considering a secondary listing in Nigeria are misleading.”
Several reports at the weekend suggested MTN was mulling the possibility of a secondary listing in Nigeria.
Although the listing of MTN Nigeria remains a consideration, it is not a planned listing, as suggested in some reports, MTN added. “Also important to correct is that the current shareholding in MTN Nigeria available for over-the-counter trading constitutes approximately 10% of MTN Nigeria.”
The group said, too, that reports that MTN has US$22bn “stuck” in Nigeria were inaccurate. “MTN Nigeria has the cash equivalent of approximately R24,6bn, with some R26,2bn in debt, implying a net debt position of R1,7bn.” — © 2016 NewsCentral Media